Last Minute Gift Ideas: What You Can Buy Right Up Until Christmas

What makes for the perfect last-minute gift? The phrase may be, by definition, a contradiction, but that doesn't mean your loved ones have to end up disappointed on December 25 just because you've been too slammed to hit the stores.

And as it turns out, you might just encounter plenty of others in the same boat. As Scotiabank revealed in a survey this week, 42 per cent of Canadian planned to do all their holiday shopping in December — and one per cent were even looking down to the wire at the last day or two before Christmas.

So this one's for you, one per cent (how often do we get to say that?). We've rounded up some great offerings for last-minute gifts that are just as good as anything you might have planned on for months, because with the wealth of options in stores, there's no need for your recipients to have the slightest clue.

Yes, you're going to have to brave some shops — but we've made sure they're all open on Christmas Eve (until at least 4:30). And yes, the pickings may be slightly slimmer, but look at it this way — at least we found the spots that will do the gift wrapping for you. Read on to find the last-minute presents that look anything but generic.

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Best Last Minute Gifts

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What it is: An LCD board to write on, that erases just as quickly — could be used as a family to-do list, a teen's timetable or an impromptu activity for the car
Price: $39.95
Where: Mastermind Toys (complementary gift wrap), and other retailers across Canada

What it is: A juicer for those who prefer to go the more vintage route (and look) for their fresh-squeezed hit of Vitamin C
Price: Approximately $155
Where: Pottery Barn (complementary gift wrap)

What it is: For the officer worker in your life, they will adore you forever once they get a hold of this puppy, which comes with four different types of "rhythms"
Price: $49.99
Where: Shoppers Drug Mart
The caveat: The store doesn't gift wrap, but they do have many bags (the easiest gift wrapping possible!) just an aisle or two away

What it is: Exactly like the description says, it's for those who adore watching flicks and having yummy, movie-type popcorn at their fingertips
Price: $299.99
Where: Costco
The caveat: There's no gift wrapping in store — but tons (and tons) of gift wrapping options available to purchase right there

What it is: A truly gorgeous serving piece that anyone who's having a party over the holidays will really appreciate for its ability to show off their goodies
Price: $135
Where: Bowring (boxes are complementary; gift wrap available for a fee)

What it is: A variety of Lego sets based on the just-released film, The Hobbit, which will suit anyone from the kids seeing it for the first to the adults who have loved Tolkien's classic story for decades
Price: From $12.95 to $129.95
Where: Mastermind Toys (complementary gift wrap), Lego stores, and many other toy store locations

What it is: The perfect Christmas Day activity after all the presents have been opened, this kit will brew up a gallon of your very own IPA
Price: $49.50
Where: Indigo (free gift wrap with purchases over $59), and a variety of other locations

What it is: A brilliant way for Canadians to feel really invested when the inevitable "let's talk about the weather" conversation comes up. But seriously, how cool is this thing?
Price: $49.99
Where: Costco
The caveat: There's no gift wrapping in store — but tons (and tons) of gift wrapping options available to purchase right there

What it is: A colourful reminder that our country is pretty awesome, and the ideal addition to a Canuck-loving home
Price: $245
Where: Roots (fun reusable bags available for gift wrapping!)

What it is: Anyone who watches Top Chef is familiar with the sous vide cooking method, which cooks food in a plastic bag an all-over even effect. Serious foodies will salivate.
Price: $449.99
Where: Costco
The caveat: There's no gift wrapping in store — but tons (and tons) of gift wrapping options available to purchase right there

What it is: A place to put jewelry or change that looks lovely sitting on a bedside table or at the front door — kind of perfect for absent-minded types who always forget where they left their rings
Price: $59.99
Where: Bed Bath & Beyond (complementary gift wrap)

What it is: Way better than the ratty old boxes for the games you've had since you were a kid, these options for Clue, Monopoly and Scrabble will definitely get pulled out at some point over the holidays
Price: $48 each
Where: Holt Renfrew (magenta bag with purchase!)

What it is: A set of three stunning candlesticks that (frankly) look way more expensive than they are, and a great gift to give for those with beautiful homes (you know, the kind who use candlesticks and the like)
Price: $79.99
Where: Bowring (boxes are complementary; gift wrap available for a fee)

What it is: Don't neglect your pup just because he won't make you feel badly about it afterwards. A pretty porcelain dog bowl plays double duty by also looking pretty great in the house.
Price: $30 each
Where: Holt Renfrew (magenta bag with purchase!)

What it is: Not just a giant pillow, but a cute accessory, this is a great gift for someone with a small apartment (or a particularly love for lying on the floor)
Price: Approximately $100
Where: Crate & Barrel (gift wrap for a nominal fee)

What it is: A great idea for the consummate host, this wine chiller ups its game by purportedly chilling wine in under five minutes — and for the tailgating sort, it even has a cigarette lighter plug
Price: $120
Where: Bed Bath & Beyond (complementary gift wrap)

What it is: A blanket ... for your hot water bottle. But we won't judge if your gift recipient just straight up cuddles with the cover.
Price: Approximately $52
Where: Pottery Barn (complementary gift wrap)

What it is: It looks old-school, but it performs in an oh-so-modern fashion — an alarm clock (and device charger) that plays anything from your Apple products. Not that you'll be needing it during the holidays.
Price: Approximately $99
Where: Crate & Barrel (gift wrap for a nominal fee)

What it is: A vintage looking t-shirt for your favourite sports fan — even if their particular sport isn't being played right now (available for a variety of teams)
Price: $40
Where: Roots (fun reusable bags available for gift wrapping!)

What it is: Know anyone heading to an all-inclusive this year? This camera can apparently withstand a few drops, and yes, a dunk in the water.
Price: $199.99
Where: Shoppers Drug Mart
The caveat: The store doesn't gift wrap, but they do have many bags (the easiest gift wrapping possible!) just an aisle or two away

What it is: Yes, a vacuum cleaner can be a touchy gift to give — but a Dyson is another matter entirely. Perfect for the neat freak in your life
Price: $369.99
Where: Costco
The caveat: There's no gift wrapping in store — but tons (and tons) of gift wrapping options available to purchase right there

What it is: Instead of a cumbersome blanket (or for that matter, a Snuggie), the reading shawl is the best possible accompaniment for a bookworm who wants to cozy up with all their holiday reads
Price: $45.00
Where: Indigo (free gift wrap with purchases over $59)

What it is: Besides being a gorgeous potential centrepiece for the table, buying someone the gift of a water bottle they actually want to carry around is like buying them the gift of health. Right?
Price: $35 each
Where: Holt Renfrew (magenta bag with purchase!)

What it is: Hurricane lamps to give any scene a dramatic touch — perfect for those who love candles (or who are lucky enough to be able to sit outdoors during the holidays)
Price: $31.99 - $39.99
Where: Bowring (boxes are complementary; gift wrap available for a fee)